Here’s What Is Happening

August 15, 2024

Fitness Class Registration Opens August 26

Registration for the upcoming September/October fitness series will open on the following dates:   

Members Registration opens at 8 AM, Monday, August 26

Non-Members Registration opens at 8 AM, Tuesday, September 3

If you’d like access to early registration through PZSC membership, your PZSC membership must be processed prior to your fitness registration.  

Click HERE for a copy of the September/October Fitness Schedule.

If the class you want to register for is already full, we will add your name to a waitlist for that series. If a space becomes available, we will contact you. However, please note that being on the waitlist does not guarantee your spot for the next series. It is encouraged to register for all Fitness Classes before the beginning of the series. Your payment reserves your spot and is due upon registration. Payments can be made with cash, check, or credit card. Checks can be made out to the “City of Portage.” Please call the Reception Desk at (269) 329-4555 for additional information or assistance.  

Online registration is available through MyActiveCenter. If you'd like instructions on how to use MyActiveCenter, email senior@portagemi.gov and we'll be happy to send them to you.

Online Registration Now More User-Friendly!

Per our previous communication, there has been an update to MyActiveCenter (MAC), the system we use for online registration. The updated site has a new look and we hope that our users will find it more user-friendly and easier to use. 

If you already use MAC for online registration, you can watch this video for an overview of the updates and changes. If you are new to using MAC, you can watch this video that provides an introduction to the system. 

Please remember that you must be a member of the Portage Zhang Senior Center and have a keytag that provides your ID number to access the system. 

If you have any questions about the online system, please reach out to a PZSC staff member. We are here to assist you.

Gratitude: A Path To Grace                         

Tuesday, August 20 

2 – 3:30 PM 

Free and Open to the Public  

Want to unwind and share an afternoon listening to stories and songs? Longing to feel some positivity and gratitude in a world that feels negative at times? Join us as local Author and Storytelling Musician, Annie Rettic, shares a chapter from her new book, Gratitude: A Path to Grace while singing songs of gratitude from her album, “Heartstrings” followed by a Q&A and gratitude sharing. Please register by calling (269) 329-4555.

Fun Walks - New Times for Summer!

Wednesday, August 21

10 AM – 12 PM

Free- Call to register at (269) 329 – 4555

Join us and other PZSC members for a fun walk through Portage. Plan to meet at 10 AM to sign in at the South Parking Lot at Portage Creek Bicentennial Park. Group Leader Lynn will have a sign held up so people can see where to gather. Walkers can complete the whole route of about 3 miles round trip or turn back at any time. The walk will begin at 10:15 AM. Be sure to wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, and sunblock is recommended. It is hot in August, so be sure to have hydration! See you there! 

Michigan Secretary of State Mobile Office - Spots Still Available!

Wednesday, August 21 

10 AM – 3 PM                             

Hey PZSC members! Guess what? The Secretary of State Mobile Office is coming back to the Portage Zhang Senior Center! The Mobile Office is a full-service Secretary of State branch capable of processing Secretary of State transactions, including State IDs, driver and vehicle transactions, license plate renewals, voter registration. If you’re looking for simple service with a smile, schedule your appointment today. To book your appointment, call PZSC the Reception Desk at (269) 329-4555. 

Karaoke Night with DJ Hurricane    

Thursday, August 22  

4 – 6 PM  

$10 and Open to the Public  

Come down to the PZSC for an evening of fun, singing, and dancing! Channel your inner superstar to belt it out for this special karaoke event featuring DJ Hurricane. DJ Hurricane is the karaoke master and always puts together a fun and relaxed evening. Scared to sing? Then come to support those who do and dance! Whatever you do, don’t miss out on this sure to be a hit night. Water and pop provided. Cash bar will be available. Registration is required by calling (269) 329-4555.  

Baking with Crème - Homemade Pasta Noodles and Pesto Sauce  

Thursday, August 22 

1 – 3 PM  

$25 Members / $30 Non-Members  

Instructed by: Meg Mattison  

Join us for an immersive and hands-on experience in the art of pasta making. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, this class offers something for everyone. Learn the techniques and secrets of creating delicious, fresh pasta and pesto from scratch in a fun and relaxed environment. Attendees will enjoy assisting throughout the class, as well as tasting their finished product! To make this pasta class extra enjoyable and an authentic experience, each participant will receive one glass of wine or sparkling juice to enjoy. Spots are limited and registration is required. To register, please call (269) 329-4555.

Concerts in the Courtyard – Bronk Bros.

Thursday, August 29th  

4 – 6 PM  

$15 and Open to the Public  

 A blue-collar work ethic, big dreams, and a grassroots attitude has gained the Michigan-based brother duo, The Bronk Bros., respect in the Midwest music scene. With over a decade of live performances, the act has shared the stage with more than 80 National touring country artists including Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels Band, Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker, and many more.  

The Bronk Bros. are fronted by modern day honky-tonkers, Heath Bronk and Brian Bronk. Heath is known for his impressive vocal range and remarkable guitar playing ability, while Brian is known for his rocking harmonica, powerful vocals, and crowd engaging stage energy. Both brothers are actively involved in songwriting. The duo is backed by a solid experienced foundation in drummer Johnny “Dutch” Fulling, bassist Sean Campbell and on lead guitar T. Rex Bell. A cash bar and bottled water will be available. Registration is required. Please call (269) 329-4555.  

*Attendees are encouraged to bring sun protection and their own bag chair as seating is limited. 

The Golden Age of Building in Kalamazoo         

Thursday, August 29 

2 – 3:30 PM 

Free and Open to the Public  

Presented by: Lynn Houghton  

Join us at the PZSC as Lynn Houghton, Director of The Zhang Legacy Collections Center at Western Michigan University, gives an interesting and educational presentation on the building boom in Kalamazoo during the 1920s and the people behind it. To register, please call (269) 329-4555. 

Bingocize® New Class Starting Soon!

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1 - 2 PM

September 3 - November 7

Free

Bingocize® is a 10-week, evidence-based health promotion program approved through both SNAP-Ed and The National Council on Aging (NCOA).  Bingocize® combines exercise and health information with the familiar game of bingo, which is a great and fun way to get moving and socializing.  It’s played twice a week on nonconsecutive days. We will have various topic focuses such as Exercise Only, Falls Prevention, and Nutrition.

The overall goals of the program are to help older adults:

• Improve and/or maintain mobility and independence
• Learn and use health information focused on falls reduction, improved nutrition, and other health-related behaviors
• Engage older adults in social settings

Register now for class. Class starts September 3 and will meet twice a week for ten weeks.  This 10-week session will be focusing on Falls Prevention. 

Euchre Group Expands to Sundays!

Exciting news! Due to popular demand, we are thrilled to announce that, starting September 8, we will offer Euchre on Sundays! The playing time will be from 2:30 to 5 pm in rooms 2A & 2B. We are also looking for a group leader for the new Sunday group. If you are interested, please reach out to Rob Perry at (269) 329-4553. Looking forward to having a great time together!

Travel Presentation – Collette

Thursday, September 5, 2024  

3-5 PM  

Registration Requested  

Register for an in-person presentation with Ed Mckenna of Collette at the PZSC. Join us to learn about the fun and exciting trips offered through Collette for 2025. Ed will be presenting details on Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights, South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana, and France Magnifique!  Spots are limited. Call 269-324-9239 to register. 

Travel Presentation – Premier World Discovery 

Wednesday, September 25, 2024  

1-3 PM  

Registration Requested  

Register for an in-person presentation with Tracey Schenk of Premier World Discovery at the PZSC. Join us to learn about the fun and exciting trips offered through Premier World Discovery for 2024 & 2025. To finish 2024 Tracey will be presenting details on Music Cities Christmas, and New Orleans Holiday.  She will also present 2025’s Colorful Costa Rica, Puerto Vallarta, Sunny San Diego, England, Scotland, & Wales, National Parks & Canyons of the Southwest, Yellowstone & the Wild West, Nova Scotia & the Canadian Maritimes, Colorado Rockies, Rails & Western National Parks, and Best of Australia & New Zealand! Whether you enjoy staying stateside or traveling abroad, we will surely have something for everyone. Spots are limited. Call 269-324-9239 to register.  

Travel Presentation – Ed & Ted’s Excellent Adventures 

Thursday, October 3, 2024 

10-12 PM 

Registration Requested 

Register for an in-person presentation with Ed Crouch of Ed & Ted’s Excellent Adventures at the PZSC. Join us to learn about the fun and exciting trips offered through Ed & Ted’s for 2025. Ed will be presenting details on Thunder Over Louisville, 40 Days / 40 Nights, Quad City, and Cape Cod!  Spots are limited. Call 269-324-9239 to register. 

Travel With the PZSC!

Bi-Weekly Highlights

• 9/10 Allegan County Fair, Allegan, MI $25 M / $30 NM (Minibus) Spots Available
• 9/18 Gilmore Car Museum-Wednesday Night Cruise-In, Hickory Corners, MI $20 M / $25 NM (Minibus) Spots Available
• 9/24 Art Prize Grand Rapids, MI $20 M / $25 NM (Minibus) Spots Available
• 9/26 Pierce Cedar Creek (Plant Hunters Program, Five Senses Hike, The Fungus Among Us), Hastings, MI $70 M / $80 NM (Minibus) Spots Available
• 10/10 Arab-American Cultural Experience, Dearborn, MI $130 M / $140 NM Spots Available
• 11/08 The Piano Guys at Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo, MI $90 M / $100 NM (Minibus) Spots Available
• 11/14 Dear Evan Hansen at Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo, MI $90 M / $100 NM (Minibus) Spots Available
• 11/21-11/22 Christmas in November a Mystery Trip to Somewhere $475 PP Double Occupancy / $550 PP Single Occupancy- Spots Available
• 12/04 Zehnder’s Jolly Holidays of Christmas, Frankenmuth, MI $155 M / $165 NM Spots Available
• 12/11 Mannheim Steamrollers Christmas at Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo, MI $90 M / $100 NM (Minibus) Spots Available

To view all the PZSC Travel opportunities please visit the Travel page on our website!

REMINDER: Cancellation/ Refund Policy for Classes & Programs

Please make sure to register early for all programs and classes offered by PZSC to ensure you get a spot and to avoid the cancellation of classes due to low enrollment. 

Effective immediately, the PZSC Cancellation Policy requires a 72-business hour (3 days) notice for all cancellations of classes and programs. If you need to cancel your reservation in a class, please do so at least 72-business hours in advance of the scheduled start time. Failure to provide the required notice will result in no refund or credit. Refunds will not be given after a program has begun unless there is a valid medical concern or emergency. 

However, if the cancellation is due to the discretion of PZSC, including weather advisories or instructor illness, a partial credit will be placed into the member’s account. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. 

Please note that the cancellation/refund policy for travel-related reservations are handled differently.